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Fracking more likely in the sparser north, says Environmental expert

Common sense suggests fracking is more likely in areas of northern England where the population is lower than in the south, an Environmental analyst has said.

The comments, by Roger Harrabin of the BBC, come after Lord Howell argued fracking should be carried out in the North East of England, where there are large, “desolate” areas.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said though that the whole of the country must “get behind fracking”, and that the UK can not afford to miss out on the technology.

He said it could create up to 70,000 jobs and would lower the price of energy, meaning reduced energy bills.

Fracking - short for ‘hydraulic fracturing’ - involves drilling deep underground and releasing a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals to crack rocks and release gas stored inside.

Environmentalists fear it can cause small earth tremors, water contamination and environmental damage.

But Mr Cameron insisted the benefits will outweigh the concerns.

Mr Cameron wrote: “It’s been suggested in recent weeks that we want fracking to be confined to certain parts of Britain. This is wrong.”

“I want all parts of our nation to share in the benefits - north or south, Conservative or Labour. We are all in this together.

“If neighbourhoods can really see the benefits - and get proper reassurance about the environment - then I don’t see why fracking shouldn’t get real public support.”

He said fracking had “real potential to drive energy bills down”.

“It’s simple - gas and electric bills can go down when our home grown energy supply goes up,” he added.

Mr Harrabin says fracking is more likely in the sparser areas of northern England than the densely-populated Home Counties.

Lord Howell had said late last month that there was “plenty of room” for developments in the north and less concern than was the case over “beautiful natural areas”.

Cuadrilla began exploratory drilling in Lancashire in 2011 and many other possible sites have been identified.

Last week, the prime minister told factory workers in Darwen it would be a “big mistake” to miss out on the benefits of fracking, adding the country was “missing out big time at the moment”.

Financial sweeteners will be provided to communities with drill rigs on their doorsteps.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .